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Buddhism
Based on meditations of GAUTAMA SIDDHARTA, also called Sakyamuni (wise man of the Sakya clan) and later the Buddha (Enlightened one). Philosophical doctrine and code of conduct. Based on the three jewels, Buddha himself, dharma, Buddha's teachings and prescribed conduct, and sangha the community.
Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 544 BC. Son of raja (title for rulers and wealthy landlords) who sought reason for human misery. Left his family and experimented and traveled; found enlightenment through meditation at Bodh Gaya.
Dharma is the doctrine of four truths discovered through meditation.
1. Existence is unhappiness.
2. Everything in life brings suffering, birth, responding to needs and death. Origin of suffering is in needs, wants and desires of men and being attached to material values (illusions of the senses).
3. Unhappiness is caused by selfish cravings or passions.
4. Selfish cravings can be eliminated by renunciation desires and following the eight-fold path:
1. Right views, understanding and vision
2. Right purpose, aspiration and intention
3. Right speech
4. Right vocation and honest livelihood
5. Right conduct and action
6. Right effort and dedication
7. Right alertness and mindfulness
8. Right concentration and meditation.
Sangha is community of Buddhists. Used to mean monastic community but concept broadened. Showing the path to enlightenment.
About 100 years after Buddha's death, communities disagreed and split over ways to achieve enlightenment. Traditional school of Theravada Buddhists follows Buddha's original teachings. Mahayana school accepts some changes, various ways to enlightenment (became Zen).
Scripts appeared also introducing changes. Deification of Buddha, and separation between mortal Buddha like Siddharta who will reappear, and transcendental ones which are only understood through meditation (Dhyani Buddhas). While enlightenment reached through individual effort, idea spread that meditation Buddhas give merit to those who worship them. Bodhisattvas are humans who reached enlightenment but instead of joining nirvana chose to help others reach enlightenment.
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